Normand Latourelle, the founder of Cavalia, speaks about the opening of 'Odysseo'
Video: George Walker and Michael Schwab/The Tennessean

The $30 million touring production of "Odysseo" — which boasts 65 gorgeous horses, along with 50 multi-talented riders, acrobats, dancers and musicians — will make its Tennessee debut under the company’s signature “White Big Top” in Nashville, beginning Aug. 30.(Photo: Jak Wonderly)

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The $30 million touring production will make its Tennessee debut in Nashville on Aug. 30.

The show features 65 horses, along with 50 multi-talented riders, acrobats, dancers and musicians.

The internationally acclaimed entertainment company Cavalia has just announced plans to bring its spectacular show “Odysseo” to Nashville this summer.

The $30 million touring production — which boasts 65 gorgeous horses, along with 50 multi-talented riders, acrobats, dancers and musicians — will make its Tennessee debut under the company’s signature “White Big Top” in Nashville, beginning Aug. 30.

“‘Odysseo’ is a show unlike any other production on the planet,” says Normand Latourelle, founder, creator and artistic director of Cavalia Inc. “The beautiful, gigantic and breathtaking set, coupled with moving interactions between human and horse, are the centerpiece of this epic theatrical experience.”

Latourelle certainly knows something of showmanship. One of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil, he has earned a reputation for combining different forms of artistic expression and “reinventing the scenic space.”

Impressively detailed backdrops are projected onto a colossal 8,400-square-foot “cyclorama,” which is three times the size of the largest cinema screens.(Photo: Jak Wonderly)

Cavalia’s first, eponymous show debuted in Montreal in 2003, wowing crowds throughout North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Asia. “Odysseo” premiered in 2011, and already has played to more than 2 million spectators in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

The highly imaginative — and wholly immersive — piece employs a dazzling mix of visual and “scenographical” effects that transport audiences “from the African savanna to Nordic glaciers.” Impressively detailed backdrops are projected onto a colossal 8,400-square-foot “cyclorama,” which is three times the size of the largest cinema screens. And in the production’s eye-popping finale, 40,000 gallons of recycled water rush the stage, creating a magical lake, complete with virtual waterfall.

Even the White Big Top itself, where “Odysseo” is staged, is a bit of a wonder. Standing 125 feet tall, the structure is roughly the size of an NFL football field and houses the main stage/backstage, seating and lobby areas. Four other tents support the traveling production, including a climate-controlled stable tent (with showers, tack shop and blacksmith facilities), a warm-up tent where riders can rehearse, a VIP ticket holders area and a staff kitchen that prepares more than 300 meals each day.

“We are excited to bring this wonderful spectacle to the great city of Nashville, where music, talent and creativity are celebrated,” Latourelle says. “This isn’t a type of show the people of Music City have seen before. Our larger-than-life production blends equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before seen levels.

“You’ll be totally moved by the spectacular visuals and stunning scenery, but even more by the special bond between the horses and the human performers.”